The Peru Gazette

Biographies compiled by Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey

Stanley Bilow – U.S. Air Force 1964-1967 Vietnam

Encouraged by a buddy, Stanley enlisted a month after him. Stan’s basic training was at Lackland Air Force Base, followed by Air Police K-9 training. Stan was assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, working on the flight line. Stan was then sent TDY to England, where he worked on missiles.

Ordered to Vietnam, Stan’s first dog was sent before him, as Stan arrived with a different dog. By chance, Stan met up with his buddy, who was leaving. Stan was off duty one night when a rocket hit in front of the barracks claiming the life of a friend. Some memories last forever.

David Blades – U.S. Marine Corps 1963-1967 Vietnam

David enlisted and chose the Marine Corps because he liked the sexy uniforms.  At basic training, Dave and a high-school classmate were assigned to 241st Platoon. Dave went on to Infantry Training at Camp Lejeune, then to Cherry Point Marine Air Group Logistics.

Sent to Vietnam, Dave, a Logistics Specialist, joined the Helicopter Air Group 16, continuing that support in Diago, Chile. Dave’s last assignment was a “Casual Company Unit” at Parris Island.  Dave traveled to Pearl Harbor and received several commendation medals for his service.

James Devan – U.S. Marine Corps 1967-1968 Vietnam

Jimmy had basic training at Parris Island, Infantry Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, and Jungle Warfare Training at Camp Pendleton. Sent to Vietnam, Jimmy, a rifleman, joined the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Charlie Company. Headed to Hill 10 in Da Nang, Jimmy was wounded on patrol. A booby-trap explosion destroyed Jimmy’s eyesight and inflicted severe injuries, requiring many back-and-forth transports between the Da Nang Hospital and the USS Sanctuary.

Jimmy received a Purple Heart and several awards for his valor, saying he’d do it all over again.  Jimmy’s wife says he helps at home but can’t weed-whack near her flowers.

Deborah Flagg – U.S. Army 1962-1968 Vietnam

Debbie’s father served 21 years in both WW II and Korea, leaving a powerful impression on her. As an ‘Army Brat’, Debbie learned to adapt to change and take advantage of youthful experiences. Before basic training, a local paper printed a photo of Debbie and her father.

At Fort Benjamin, Debbie trained in finance and accounting. Debbie went to California and then enjoyed Germany. Debbie traveled to Spain and France and loved the people, food, and beer! Returning to Fort Benjamin, Debbie trained as a legal clerk. At Fort Gordon, a compassion transfer ended Debbie’s hope of a military career.

Samuel Gangi – U.S. Marine Corps 1966-1968 Vietnam

Sam and a friend, Joe, planned to join the Navy. Sam developed “white coat disease’; when doctors took his blood pressure, it went way up. A nurse, no ‘white coat’, took his pressure; it was accepted. Joe was in the Navy; Sam joined the Marines. Sam had basic training at Parris Island, on to Camp Geiger for Infantry and Mechanic School training. After leaving Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, Sam was sent to Vietnam to serve with the 2nd Division 8th Battalion. Sam keeps his memories private.

Enlisting, Sam asked his father about marriage; his dad’s advice was ‘wait until you return.” While in service, Sam got a tattoo named Loretta whom he married when he returned home.

Ralph Hartmann – U.S. Air Force 1968-1988 Vietnam

In 1970, Ralph was deployed to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. It was a busy base with jets taking off and landing as the ground crew worked 12-hour days, 6 -1/2 days a week.

Ralph was a Parachute Rigger and Ejection Seat Specialist. A pilot used Ralph’s parachute to eject the seat and release the parachute. The grateful pilot presented Ralph with a bottle of Jim Beam – a nice gift.

One of Ralph’s favorite memories is attending the spectacular 1971 Bob Hope USO Christmas Eve show.  Ralph retired from Plattsburgh Air Force Base after 20 years of service to our Country.

Winfred (Butch) Hodil – U.S. Air Force 1966-1974 Vietnam

Winfred, known as Butch, enlisted at 18, went to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and set his path in Fireman training. Butch served as a Fire Protection Specialist and Fire Protection Supervisor at home and in the military.

Butch had a scary encounter in Vietnam as he jumped to safety, avoiding being shot by a Vietnamese guard. Back stateside, Butch went to a Navy Base in Maine, California, Niagara Falls, Alaska, finishing his military career at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

Stephen Lavier – U.S. Army 1965-1968 Vietnam 

Influenced by his father’s 27-year military career, Steve, age 18, graduated from high school in New York City and enlisted.  After basic training at Fort Dix, Steve went to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, where he trained as a Medical Equipment Repairman. Then, at Fort Leonard Wood, Steve worked on a mobile hospital setup, responsible for keeping every piece of equipment running.

Sent to Vietnam, Steve’s prior training was essential as he joined a MASH Unit that kept Steve very busy fixing equipment due to power surges caused by big generators.

Reinaldo (Ray) Lizardi – U.S. Air Force 1955-1980 Vietnam

Leaving the University of Puerto Rico, Ray, 18, enlisted. Ray completed training and positions: Security Police Tactical Course, Electronics Fundamental Review Course, Airborne Recon Specialist, and Security Police Superintendent. Ray served at Air Bases in Georgia, Plattsburgh, South Carolina, California, and Arizona, and abroad in Panama, Libya, Thailand, Vietnam, and, least favorite, Turkey.

Ray retired after 25 years of service to our Country. Stationed at Plattsburgh, Ray met the love of his life. On September 17th, 2023, Ray and Judy celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Kenneth Marshall – U.S. Navy 1970-1974 Vietnam

With a draft number of 13, Ken enlisted. Completing basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Ken says it was the most fun.

With no assignment aboard a ship, Ken had on-the-job training, learning from Plane handlers to Crash Crew, Fireman training, and Welding School.

Ken boarded the USS Forestal CVA-59, traveling to Malta, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Africa, where they rescued people from a typhoon. The ship supported Vietnam with medical facilities for rescue and body returns. Ken spent most of his service on foreign seas, saying every day on a ship deck is hazardous.

Richard (Marty) McCalvin Jr. – U.S. Army 1964-1966 Vietnam

After two years of college, Marty was drafted. At basic training lineup, a casual question: who has a dog at home? Marty was sent to Military Police Training and assigned as a Dog Handler.

The dog handlers arrived in Vietnam with 250 dogs; no one knew they were coming. A tent area was set up for the dogs. Soldiers were told to find their own place to sleep.

Marty stepped on the dog’s paw on guard duty with his dog, too dark to see. The dog bit Marty in the crotch. Marty continued to walk his post for 4 hours with blood running down his legs. OUCH.

John McDonald – U.S. Marine Corps 1961-1967 Vietnam

At 17, John’s parents refused to sign enlistment papers. John was assigned as a Machine Gunner at Parris Island a year later. After basic training, John attended sea school aboard a ship and learned to fire the big guns.

John served under three and 4-Star Admirals and a 3-Star Marine General at a top-secret base. He was sent to Cuba to guard the perimeter fence line and then sent by ship to Santo Domino Harbor during an uprising to protect American lives and property in the Dominican Republic. Assigned to a NATO ship, John traveled to England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. One night, while singing the Marine Corps Hymn in a barroom, John was arrested. As fate would have it, in civilian life, John became a New York City Police Officer.

John Nailor – U.S. Marine Corps 1964-1967 Vietnam

John enlisted, went to boot camp at Parris Island, and trained as a Field Radio Operator.

In Vietnam, John joined the 5th Battalion 7th Marine Regiment. John was assigned to Emergency Medical Evacuations of wounded and killed-in-action soldiers requiring quick in and quick out action. John, at 5’5″, was assigned as a tunnel rat. With a rope tied around his ankle, John entered the tunnels, told to destroy tunnels, gather intelligence, and kill or capture the occupants, often in close combat. The tunnel conditions were extremely dangerous.

In Guam, on his way home, John had $1,500. He ordered steak and enjoyed five pineapple drinks. In the morning, John had 15 cents in his pocket and no shoes. John was told he had a good time.

Joseph Purtell – U.S. Marine Corp 1965-1967 Vietnam, U.S. Air Force 1967 -1991

Three generations of his military families inspired Joe. Joe went for basic training at Parris Island; the drill instructor said, “95% of you will be dead in a year”.

Leaving the Marine Corps, Joe joined the Air Force, receiving advanced management and accounting training. As a Financial Management Service Supervisor, Joe set up base operations. Every two weeks, Joe flew to Egypt. Although he was not the highest-ranking officer, the Egyptians would only work with Joe, the ‘money guy.’ Joe was awarded many commendations when he retired after 26 years of service to our Country.